Zac Brown - Free

A few years ago, my son, Scott, gave me a Zac Brown Band CD and it's turned into one of my favorites... ever!  

Enjoy!

Happy birthday, Alex!!!

Alex is a

T * E * E * N * A * G * E * R

 

He's also one of my favorite people in the world!   Just thinking about him makes me smile! 

 

Alex is smart... kind... sensitive.. handsome... with great instincts and much better judgement that you would expect from someone so young.   Alex is a treasure!

So.... what did Alex get for his birthday?  He got something he's wanted for a long time.  Alex did the research.  Alex verified all of the information.  Alex found the dog and Alex found the money (Okay.. most of the money)!  All of his work paid off.  Meet Coco ----

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Crystal!

Today is Crystal's birthday!  There is no one else in the world like Crystal!  "They" say that people are like snowflakes and that there are no two exactly alike.  Crystal is the working example of that.   We adore her because she is soooo Crystal!

I hope your day is beyond wonderful, Crystal!  You are SO loved!

Happy Birthday, Bryce!!!!

Eight years old!   Imagine!

Bryce called me this morning to wish me a happy Grandparent's Day.  I, in turn, wished him a very happy birthday and then I sang the birthday song to him.  (a dreaded tradition)

In response, Bryce sang me his own version of "Happy Grandparent's Day"... complete with a "cha-cha-cha" ending!   Obviously, his version was much more original than mine and it's always a treat to hear him sing!  

I asked Bryce what he did for his birthday.   He was excited to tell me, but as they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Birthday Mini-Golf

 

 

Birthday Fishing

 

 

Looks like a winner of a birthday to me!

 

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday dear Bryce Austin McKinnon

Happy birthday to you!!!!!

 

 

 



Jeep Brothers

Scott sold his blue "girl car" (Just because it had 256,000 miles?  Really???)  and needed a replacement.   Maybe that was just an excuse to buy a long-wanted Jeep?  Maybe?

This picture is worth the price of the Jeep.

Happy Jeeping, boys!!!

Let the Little Girl Dance

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

Brynn has been eagerly waiting for the day that she could go to dance class for the first time and today is the day!

Her other grandparents dropped her off at dance camp this morning and managed to get this picture before they left...

Brynn is the blonde to the left of the teacher - in the pale pink tutu, black top and happy smile.

Once they mastered sitting in a circle (Notice the dots.  How cute is that???), the level of difficulty increased...

Obviously this child is extremely talented with the perfect personality to become an amazing dancer!

I am SO blessed to have this child in my life.  Her presence brightens every corner of my life.



A Born Natural!

Richard, Julie and the kids went to the beach this past weekend for a "long weekend" vacation.  While the little ones napped in the afternoon, Richard and Kate had adventures!  Playing miniature golf was one of Kate's favorite things to do.

Richard caught this on his phone....

Kate's hole in one!

(She had four that day!)

 

 

Kate told her dad the she was focused.  We love Kate's intensity.  (You don't suppose she inherited that trait from her father, do you?)

 

Let me 'splain about another time I wondered that same thing this past spring/summer....

 

Kate played softball this spring and loved it!  One afternoon, Richard was on his way "out" and before he left, Kate asked him if she could practice "hitting" while he was gone.  Of course, Dad said "sure".

 

So, as the story was told to me... Kate was still hitting balls off of a tee into a net when Richard returned home.  At first I thought... "Wow!   Kate is pretty competive to do that on her own without prompting from her dad/coach."

 

THEN I thought.... "How interesting that she had a bucket of balls... a batting tee... and a net.  Do you suppose someone pretty competitive supplied those things???"

 

"Nuff said!

 

(Is she about the cutest thing ever???)

Gregory was chosen along with 4 others from Delaware's School of Rock to represent Delaware at Milwaukee's music Summerfest.  The name of their band is "Left Intentionally Blank".  Cute???

Gregory (and his dad, Greg, who went as a chaperone) talked about all of the exciting rock musicians that they saw (Greg, the dad's, favorite was Alice Cooper) and the wonder of performing on those stages!   A glimpse of the future, perhaps?

Part 1...

Part 2....

P.S.  Gregory is the vocalist in these.  I'll see if I can get one with him playing the bass

Live at the Horny Goat

Here's our rock 'n roll bass player - Gregory

And WHO bought this precious child his first bass?  Could it possibly be his grandmother?  Well, heck yeah!

Happy Birthday, Brynn!

Brynn is 3 years old today!

 

Our tutu-wearing, girly girl is three!  Brynn is one of those special people who make the whole world a little brighter. 

 

I didn't see a splash of color or fireworks in the sky to announce the arrival of a special light the day she was born , but there should have been. 

 

Buying presents for Brynn's birthday was easy breezy!  I bought her a set of diaphonous wings - a new tutu - girly girl ruffly shorts with an Ariel top.

 

 

Lunch Break with Bryce

Today was one of "those" days when you think you're doing something for someone else and then find out that YOU are the beneficiary.  Well... I beneficated today - for sure!  (new word)

Today was one of the best days - ever... and here's why...

Scott had a car show today - all day - hot day - and Bryce wanted to go with his dad BUT he wasn't sure if he'd love it or be bored SO... he called his Grammie (whoever that might be) in advance and asked me if I would be available to pick him up at the car show and take him to lunch if he got bored.

ARE YOU KIDDING??????  If I could have done a cartwheel, I would have. Cartwheels are a little out of my scope at the moment, but I still do them in my head.   (Too much, information - I know.  Sorry) I assured him that it really would be my pleasure to rescue him if he got bored. (and then I prayed for boredom)

At about 11:30 AM on car show day I got "the call".  I barely let the child finish his "hot and bored" plea before I was in the car and on my way to the car show to meet Scott and Bryce.  It was SO hot and there was nowhere for Bryce to sit so he was ready for a break.

He chose Grotto's for lunch so that we could have lunch and maybe watch a little of the Phillies' game.  I also took a deck of cards and after lunch we played cards for a couple of hours - at Grotto's.

Several hours later, after a great lunch and lots of laughter (and rooting for our Phillies), we decided that we should return Bryce to his dad at the car show.

On the way out, there was one of those cranes where you spend $20 to win a $3 stuffed animal.  You know that ones. Bryce tried that machine before with no luck, but this was definitely a lucky day,  so I supplied the quarters (only $2.50) and Bryce supplied the skill and he ended up with a pink pig.  Bryce said the he wasn't exactly thrilled with anything pink, but he was excited to have won something.  I, of course, never doubted his skill!  :-)

Thanks, Bryce, for an amazing day! 

Happy Father's Day

Richard Greg and Scott!

Richard, Julie, Chase, Brynn and Kate

Greg, Amy, Alex, Gregory, and Gregory

Scott, Crystal, Mason and Bryce

You learned from one of the best!

Falling Forward

I'm not... falling forward, that is, but these guys are.  That's their band name... at least for today.  Tomorrow?  Who knows!

Sorry this is so dark!  It's almost like it's a... well... bar.  

We went to see Andy and crew at the Reef on Friday night!  Great show - as always!

Happy Birthday, Mason!

Mason is ONE year old today!

We celebrated Mason's birthday with all of our extended family (about 50 of us according to a count from Scott) at Crystal and Scott's house on Sunday and what a party it was!!!  Kids everywhere!

Food... family... friends... and the star of the show --- Mason Xavier McKinnon! 

Mason is as sweet and as even-tempered as his big brother, Bryce (the BEST example) and yet he definitely has his own personality.  Unlike his big brother, though, you can't turn your back on this one.  He's into everything!

It's so much fun to watch Mason grow from a baby to a boy.  To my way of thinking, he's still very much a baby, but Scott says the changes and new skills are coming so quickly. 

Baby... boy... or man.  The world is a better place with Mason in it! 

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Mason

Happy Birthday to you

 

Websites * May 19 - May 25

This is another one from Julie.   If you shop online, this is something you need to know.

The name of the site is Ebates and the reason it's so great is that if you go through Ebates to shop online, you'll get cash back on every purchase.  My check for the last quarter was $50.63 - buying what I usually buy - just for shopping through Ebates instead of going directly to the shopping website.


How does it work?  Follow the link to http://www.ebates.com/ and sign up.  Look on Ebate's home page for the store where you want to shop to find out how much cash back you will receive on your purchase.  (You can also find coupons on Ebates)

For example, today, Macy's is giving 14% back.  14%!!!!  That's huge!  If you click on the link, it will take you to Macy's website.  Shop as usual, check out as usual.  Ebates will take care of the rest. 

If you don't see the store or website where you want to shop, use the search box in the upper right hard corner on the dark green navigation bar.   Type in a few letters and you'll see all of the choices with those letters.  Your shopping site will probably be there.  You'll be amazed at the number of opportunities for cash back. 

Ebates also has a referral program where you can earn $5 for each friend that you refer.  Needless to say, I wouldn't mind if you use me as your referral. Just use the following link to sign up for Ebates and I'll get credit!  Wooohoo!

Did I mention that my check after Christmas was $100???  Whether you use the referral link or not, Ebates is the bomb!  :)

Ebates Referral

What coud be better than...

... a Friday night at the Keswick?   And is there anyone we'd enjoy seeing more than Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin?

The talked a little... played a little... and made us feel as though we were just hanging out with a couple of friends.

They told us that they had known each other nearly 30 years - good friends who love to spend time in each others living rooms singing and playing guitars.  

Mary said that if we were in HER living room, we'd all be wearing pajamas - by 4:00 at the latest!  Shawn said that if we were in HER living room, there would definitely be popcorn and chocolate.  Now that's my kind of living room.

I would love to be just sit in the corner in either living room - or the front porch - and listen. 

My favorite spot in the house

When I put in a dogwood tree a couple of years ago  (Okay.. Ryan put it in. I just pointed in the general direction of where I wanted it) I had no idea I would be able to enjoy it from the inside as well as the outside.  It's so pretty.   Don't you agree?

Happy Mother's Day...

....  to me!

What a great Mother's Day I had, starting with a Facebook message from Richard, that started the great flood, BUT then he brought me back to reality with a reminder of how I "stole their cool" back in high school.  Maybe that story will be my next post.  It still makes me laugh.

Greg stopped over with plant hangers made with the initials of all of my grandkids... by family.

Richard's family first (he is the oldest) - Kate, Brynn, and Chase

Greg's family next - Gregory, Alex, Matthew

Scott's family last (sometimes it doesn't pay to be the youngest) - Bryce, Mason

 Kate, Brynn, Chase

Gregory, Alex, Matthew

Bryce, Mason

The man can build ANYthing!   I'm so fortunate to have been the targeted recipient of this project!  I LOVE them!

PLUS... they came with plants? I mean, really?  Could it get any better?

Then off for an early dinner at Mazzella's with Richard, Julie, Kate, Brynn, Chase and Julie's parents; Jackie and Tony.  I think I could spend an entire day just watching the kids do whatever it is that they are doing.  PERFECT children, I tell you!   (And yes!  I am objective!  Geez!)

After Mazzella's I was off to Greg's house.  They had a Mother's Day cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, and the ever-popular strawberry shortcake.  Michael stopped on his way home from work and forced himself (hahaha) to sample Greg's burger expertise.   He gave Greg his highest rating!  

Scott called and we agreed to do Mother's Day on Tuesday afternoon.  Celebrate on TWO days?  Not to seem greedy or anything, but I'm definitely "in"!  Actually, any chance I have to see my kids or grandkids... I'm in!  

I think that being a mom is the greatest gift I ever could have received.  There isn't anything in this world that means as much to me as my kids.  I'm so very blessed.

God's love is amazing!

My Three Sons

Then...

And now...

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Life is GOOD!

Rock around the clock...

and other songs from the not-so-recent past - MY era!

Alex played the drums tonight at a School of Rock concert - his first concert.

The songs were Rockabilly songs which, of course, I LOVED!

This was a younger group of musicians than Greg played with last week, which carries its own frustrations.  The guitar players were occasionally unaware that there was a drummer or that HE was the one responsible for the tempo.   There were a few welcome exceptions, but I'm sure that's frustrating for a drummer. He did a great job of  leading even those who didn't realize they were being led, though.  Rock on, Alex!

It's just about impossible to take a picture of a drummer WHILE he is drumming...

 He moves so fast, he's a blur!

 Maybe a moving shot would be better?

 The boy was a rock star!   (Not that I have ANY prejudice)  See for yourself!

TWELVE years old!  Imagine!   Grrrrrrreat job, Alex!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of those who have been given the gift of motherhood, but especially to Amy, Julie and Crystal - my daughters-in-law extraordinaire!

Happy Mother's Day!

What could be better than a Sunday in May?

Today is one of those beautiful May days when the rush of the week fades away into the bright sun and lush green that is spring.  And what better way to spend an hour on a Sunday afternoon than watching children play... especially when those children are my grandchildren.

Richard and Julie bought a new house last year and one of the best parts of the house is the wonderful driveway - a great place for things with wheels and  balls that bounce... and chalk!  (LOTS of chalk)

Kate was making bird's nests - complete with flowers - THE most elegant bird's nest any bird could imagine.  

Brynn was busy being everywhere - coloring on the driveway with chalk - climbing on (and in) Richard's trailer.

Of course, since everyone else was getting their picture taken, Chase wanted his picture taken, too. 

 

Chase seems to gain new skills every day.   Richard said the he had been walking with his arms out parallel to the ground and now he thinks he's pretty cool because he can walk with  his arms down at his side?  (and "borrow" chalk from the girls and play some hoops with Dad). Wanna see?

 

Life is good!

You can find me in the mosh pit

I am the grandmother of rock stars!

Gregory played his third concert at the School of Rock last night and they raised the roof (or more accurately, blew out the back door in the School of Rock garage)!

Okay, this music is a little "screamy" for me, but.. hey... it's Gregory!  Would I even consider not going?  Heck, no!

The kid has the voice (although, in my opinion, he sounds even better singing along with the Beatles, or Bronze Radio Return in the car on the way to rehearsal).  He has the presence.  He has the chops.

When he's rich and famous and accepting his first (of many) Grammy awards (name-appropriate, I think), he has promised to say that his Grammie bought him his first guitar (and bass).   Then I'll blush and be embarrassed. BUT you can bet I'll be there! 

The show before this one was the music of Black Sabbath.   I could do a "thing" about the power of words and blah blah blah, BUT.. not today... and not on this post.  This post is a celebration of Gregory.

I don't know how I missed posting this before, but here it is.  I do love to watch Greg play the bass!

If he keeps this up, I may have to get some piercings and a tattoo (or two).

And to think it all started here...

 

Rock on!

Dancing the cold away

It's time for softball! At least that's what the schedule says, BUT... it was SO cold today that even the kids complained which is pretty rare.  (but I got to snuggle Brynn warm TWICE.. which is always a treat)

Kate did a great job playing 3rd base AND keeping warm (in her "McDonald's yellow" shirt).  Here's a sample of her stellar technique. 

She's a star - no matter what she does!